Hello 2026! What I Wish for You in the New Year
Oh, I love new beginnings!
There’s something so magical about stepping into a brand new chapter, closing the old one with gratitude for all the lessons learned, and opening the next with freshly sharpened pencils ready to go. New Year’s has always been my favourite moment of the year for exactly that reason.
If you’re an actor walking into 2026 with a lot of hope (and maybe a tiny bit of pressure), I want to offer you something simple but powerful:
Look at yourself like a hot piece of “Times” you’re trying to sell — and become the best salesperson you possibly can.
“What the hell does that mean, Natalia?”
I’m glad you asked. Sit down, let me explain.
Are You Actually Giving Your Agent the Tools They Need?
Actors love to complain about their agents not getting them enough auditions.
But let’s flip the perspective for a moment:
Is your Spotlight—the main tool your agent uses to sell you—truly the best it can be?
You say you can do accents… great!
But is there any evidence of that skill on your Spotlight besides a line in your special skills?
Everyone and their dog claims they can do a good American accent. Many…cannot.
And do you really think a Casting Director has the time to call your agent and double-check whether you’re actually good at it before taking a chance on you?
I doubt it.
So make their lives easy.
Make your agent’s life easy.
Make your life easy.
Record a short scene demonstrating your flawless American accent.
Label it something clear and searchable like:
Drama / American Accent — NY
Boom. Now you’re instantly sellable in that lane.
Let’s Talk Headshots
In a sea of thousands of headshots, does yours stand out?
Not just on Spotlight — but even on your own agent’s website?
If it doesn’t stand out there, I promise you it won’t stand out anywhere else.
Your headshot is your billboard. Your poster. Your first impression.
If it’s blending in… it’s time for an upgrade.
Be Your Own Marketing & Advertising Guru in 2026
In the U.S., actors often have managers who guide them through this side of the business.
In the U.K., you are your own manager.
Which means you must learn the skill of selling you.
2026 is the year to think strategically. To look at your career like a business.
To make yourself easier to cast.
Easier to sell.
Easier to say yes to.
You deserve to shine, and the industry can only notice you if you show them who you truly are.
Happy New Year!
I have a good feeling about this one.
Let’s make 2026 the year you stop waiting—and start selling.
Big hugs,
Natalia
Owning It Acting Studio
If you enjoyed my blog and it resonated with you, I’d be truly grateful if you shared it on your social media so it might support other actors as well. My goal is to create a safe, encouraging space where actors can feel seen and supported.
